Notice that he only covered the season. This offseason could be an entirely different story.

In his Monday blog for ESPN, Buster Olney again brought up Upton, citing rival executives as saying that Upton will likely be offered up for trade this winter.

Upton's production is way down this year, hitting just 13 HR and 56 RBI after clubbing 31 HR with 88 RBI in 2011. His slash line of .272/.349/.407 is significantly lower than last year's .289/.369/.529 as well.

New York Yankees

Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Yankees cannot be counted out of the Justin Upton sweepstakes this offseason.

With the expiring contract of current right fielder Nick Swisher and the likelihood that agent Scott Boras will command big dollars for his services, the Yankees could be wishing Swisher good luck in his travels.

Atlanta Braves

Jake Roth-US PRESSWIREIf Michael Bourn does not re-sign with the Atlanta Braves, they could turn their attention toward Justin Upton.

The Atlanta Braves could be one of the more intriguing teams on this list in terms of possible landing spots for Justin Upton.

With Chipper Jones coming off the books, the Braves only have $15.2 million in committed payroll for the 2013 season. They still have decisions to make regarding the 2013 options for Brian McCann, Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm, but even if they pick up all three, it's still only $43 million on the books.

Current left fielder Martin Prado could slide to third base next season, putting Upton in left with 22-year-old Jason Heyward in right.

Even if Michael Bourn doesn't return to Atlanta, that's a pretty solid corps of outfielders to build on for the future.

Detroit Tigers

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIREJustin Upton in the middle of the Tigers' lineup would give them one of the most potent 3-4-5-6 hitting combos in the American League.

Right field has been somewhat of a black hole for the Detroit Tigers for much of the past two seasons.

Eight players have combined to hit .225 with 12 homers and 60 RBI in right for manager Jim Leyland, and Brennan Boesch has yet to show he can be the answer as the everyday option.

Adding Justin Upton would give the Tigers a potent third option behind Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, and with Victor Martinez coming back healthy next season, a very powerful middle-of-the-order combination indeed.

The Arizona Diamondbacks would likely ask for third base prospect Nick Castellanos in return. Castellanos has a chance to be a terrific hitter, but is currently blocked in Detroit by Cabrera.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are desperately trying to cling to life in their chase for a postseason berth, not to mention their first winning season in 20 years.

In both 2011 and this season, second-half swoons have shown the Pirates that the special talents and bat of Andrew McCutchen isn't nearly enough offensively. They clearly need another impact bat.

The Pirates have shown interest in acquiring Upton in the past, this winter should be no different. The D-Backs will likely want one of the Pirates' prized pitching prospects in return, either Gerrit Cole or Jameson Taillon.

Whether or not GM Neal Huntington would part with either is the question, but if the Pirates completely fall out of contention, or even worse, finish below .500 once again, the thinking in the front office could be radically altered.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.